REPORTS claiming Boro and Reading have agreed a fee for midfielder James Harper appear wide of the mark.

With just three days remaining before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Monday, time is running out for Gareth Southgate to strengthen his wafer thin midfield.

Contrary to media reports, a fee has yet to be agreed, though lines of communication between the clubs remain open and it’s possible an agreement will be reached ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Blackburn. Boro will have to pay somewhere between £3.5m and £4m for the 28-year-old (pictured right) who then has to agree personal terms.

Southgate’s great fear after losing out to Wigan in the battle to sign No1 target Ben Watson is again being beaten to the chase by a Premier League rival, hence his and the club’s reluctance to speak about the move until it’s wrapped up.

Away from the window, on loan striker Marlon King had advised his Boro team-mates to prepare for 15 cup finals in the battle to keep Premier League football alive on Teesside. The Jamaican international, who is expected to make his home debut tomorrow in the mother of all six-pointers against Blackburn Rovers, reckons that nothing less than all-out effort is acceptable.

King said: “We were disappointed not to get something at Chelsea, but we have to stay focussed not just against Blackburn but for the full duration.

“We are well aware of the situation we are in. The league table doesn’t lie. The last 15 games are cup finals now.

“The teams down there are scrapping away and so we know that Blackburn will come here and battle as well. There are no easy fixtures and that is why the so-called top teams have to dig deep at times because it’s a real scrap this season.”

King made his Boro debut at Stamford Bridge and played as a lone striker for the first hour.

He did well despite having limited service, and his performance suggested that he can have a major role to play in Boro’s survival battle.

It seems certain that King will again start against Rovers, probably alongside Afonso Alves.

King said: “I’m looking forward to my home debut. I’d love to be selected against Blackburn.

“I am up for it and so are the rest of the boys. We have to work hard to try to get the three points and make home advantage count.

“As I said before, we have to try to make the Riverside a fortress.

“We have to make it difficult for teams to come here and get a result. I’ve played at the Riverside before and I know it can be an intimidating place.

“Our supporters will be behind us. They want us to win and they can play their part.”

Southgate has problems to solve in midfield because Gary O’Neil and Didier Digard are both suspended. Julio Arca is expected to be available following illness, while Southgate will also consider the merits of Mohamed Shawky and Matthew Bates, both of whom worked very hard at Stamford Bridge.

GORDON McQUEEN will be guest speaker at the next meeting of Middlesbrough FC Supporters’ Club on Monday in the Fenton Suite at the Riverside (7.30pm).